A promising young GAA player has been left with serious head and body injuries after being struck by a car in the US.

Aaron Elliott, from Co Tyrone , was found unresponsive and without a pulse after being struck by car in Jenkintown, Philadelphia on Saturday night.

The 22-year-old from Clonoe, just outside Coalisland, has been living and playing Gaelic football in Philadelphia since March this year.

He was given CPR at the scene by local police before paramedics arrived and rushed him to Abington Memorial Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery on a severe compound fracture which had left his elbow shattered.

From there he was placed in neuro critical care unit where he stills remains having suffered a blood clot, leak in the brain, and a fractured skull.

Having also suffered a collapsed lung, Aaron also underwent surgery on Tuesday to alleviate stress on his right lung.

Kevin Barrys GFC in Philadelphia, who Aaron has been playing for have set up a fundraising page to help cover the rising medical bills estimated to reach £100,000.

They've also flown his sister to Phildadelphia to be by his side.

Aaron's local GAA club back home Clonoe O'Rahilly's have also rallied in support of the family.

In a statement issued on behalf of Aaron's family on Monday, the family thanked everyone for their support.

They said: "We very much appreciate all the concern for Aaron since the accident. He is breathing independently but is severely concussed having suffered a severe brain trauma, a fractured skull and a fractured elbow.

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"The medical team at the Jenkinstown Hospital Philidelphia are very pleased with his progress thus far. He is still being sedated to help with the pain and to aid recovery.

"His sister Laura and Ronan Fay flew out this morning to be with him. Sincere thanks to Kevin Barry's GFC for all of their support and in particular Nicola McAnenly who has kept a bedside vigil since the accident.

"We would also like to thank you all for your best wishes, prayers and lighted candles. All are needed at this time while we await clearer news of Aaron's situation."

In the appeal on the fundraising page, a spokesperson from Kevin Barrys GFC said: "At the moment, rest is crucial for Aaron. The doctors have removed him from sedation in order to check his brain activity and reaction to instructions by the medical staff, for example, "squeeze my hand" or "show me your thumb".

"The Kevin Barry's GFC organized two airfare tickets for Aaron's family members to be with him at the recommendation of the medical staff.

"Aaron will remain in the hospital for a minimum of six weeks at the recommendation of his neuro surgeon.

"Once he is released from the hospital, Aaron will require intense rehabilitation without health insurance; so any help that you can provide will go towards the extensive care and recovery that Aaron will endure throughout this recovery period."

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Friends of Aaron's in Philadelphia are trying to secure GAA memorabilia to auction off at a special club fundraiser in aid of Aaron's recovery.

The club added: "Aaron is already on the road to recovery, but he still has a long way to go so look out for other opportunities to support Aaron with a fundraiser on October 8th in Philadelphia at the Irish Center. Thank you in advance for your love and support!"